Ever wonder what it's like to set sail on a whimsical adventure only to end up stranded on an island inhabited by bizarre creatures and intricate puzzles? No? Well, too bad, because in 'Ittle Dew 2+', you're taking the plunge whether you like it or not. This zany sequel from Ludosity infuses charm, humor, and just the right amount of craziness to keep your pulse racing faster than a pixelated heart going from green to red. So let's dive deep into the land of Ittle Dew, shall we? Hopefully, it doesn't turn into another shipwreck.
Ittle Dew 2+ drops you directly into the sandals of Ittle and her sidekick, Tippsie, after an unfortunate rafting incident. Spoiler alert: Rafts are overrated. Your quest? Collect eight elusive Raft Pieces scattered across a vast and whimsical island, solving puzzles and battling off enemies like a kid on a sugar high. If you've played games like 'The Legend of Zelda,' then the gameplay will feel like a nostalgic hug from your favorite childhood blanket. The gameplay is refreshingly open, allowing you to tackle the dungeons in any order you please, though you might want to go for the recommended route unless you enjoy suffering (don't worry, we won't judge). Each dungeon is a neatly packaged world filled with its own unique enemies, traps, and, of course, one highly annoying dungeon boss that seems to be allergic to defeat. In classic action-adventure fashion, you'll encounter items that are a mix of necessity and bonuses. Some are essential for progression, while others are simply neat, like a cool hat for Ittle to wear that screams, "I'm a serious adventurer!" The option to collect boxes of crayons is a standout feature that permanently boosts your health - because what's a game without color, right? You can even deck out your character in various outfits because looking good is half the battle! Enemies range from the annoyingly cute to the downright weird-think of them as the quirky relatives of traditional gaming foes. You'll engage in combat not just with your sword but also by cleverly utilizing dungeon-specific items that add depth to the puzzles. It's like a surprising buffet of gameplay styles that enables you to combine combat and brain-bending puzzles into a minestrone of fun. If that doesn't make you hungry for more, nothing will.
Visually, 'Ittle Dew 2+' doesn't shy away from being eccentric. The game's charmingly cartoony graphics have an art style reminiscent of a kids' storybook, striking a balance between vivid colors and pleasing animations that dance to the lighthearted undertones of the gameplay. It's not going to make your jaw drop like a blockbuster AAA title, but it does hold its ground. The world feels alive with its animated characters and striking environments drawing you into its bizarre yet welcoming atmosphere. Each area you traverse has its visual distinctiveness, from the enchanting forests to the mysterious caves, each area tantalizing your eyes while punishing your brain. It's the perfect dosage of visual herbal tea-soothing yet stimulating, perfect while sipping from your favorite mug and contemplating every choice you'll make in this surreal adventure. And let's not forget the game runs flawlessly on the Switch. No frame drops or weird hiccups, just smooth sailing powered by the Unity engine, which somehow still looks good in handheld mode. It's probably one of those magical gaming unicorns we hear about so often.
In a world flooded with generic titles, 'Ittle Dew 2+' is a breath of fresh air layered with whimsical humor, engaging puzzles, and an art style that dances around in your memory like that one catchy tune you can't get out of your head. It's an adventure that allows you to explore at your own pace while providing enough challenges to scratch that itch for something exciting. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a lighthearted game to cozy up with, this title is undoubtedly worth your time. Just remember; every treasure hunt is only as good as the laughs you have along the way. Go ahead, get your crayons ready and steer your ship through the whimsical world of Ittle Dew 2+-may the Raft Pieces await you!